Knowsley Council is in the market for a tenant to operate the new building that will form part of the £500,000 redevelopment of Market Place in Prescot.

The Prescot Townscape Heritage Initiative is delivering a project that involves the creation of an outdoor performance and public open space at the Market Place.

Mark Wray Architects with Seed Landscape won the RIBA competition for the redesign earlier this year, and the project application is now with the council ahead of an expected start on site in early 2018. The project is expected to be open in summer 2018.

The council is seeking a tenant for what is described as a new café/multi-use building and said it would like to hear from social enterprises, community investment companies and charities as well as commercial businesses with a community focus.

In exchange for a peppercorn rent, the tenant will be required to host regular community events, activities and performances and be a part of events like the Prescot Festival, Shakespeare performances and the Elizabethan Fayre.

Cllr Graham Morgan, Knowsley’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic development said: “The transformation of Market Place is the biggest single project of our £4m Townscape Heritage Initiative and an important part of our vision for Prescot’s renaissance.

“This space will integrate with the proposed Shakespeare North Playhouse, town centre connectivity improvements and other developments to deliver a building and space that will truly enhance the character and appearance of Prescot’s conservation area.”